Did You Know You Have a Tree?

Yep. True story! All ArchBalt Youth Ministers and Catechists share in a tree!

It used to be the a replanted historic elm that was on the grounds of the Archbishop’s house… Three years ago, when Mark Pacione was leaving the youth and young adult ministries offices, we asked if we might replant it yet again. When we were told that replacing the tree didn’t figure into the planning for the Archbishop’s house, we asked to plant a tree at the Msgr. O’Dwyer Youth Retreat House. We moved the dedication plaque north along with the new tree. The plaque reads: Planted in Name of all Catechists and Youth Ministers in the Archdiocese of Baltimore… Which makes it your tree!

This past week, during many visits to Sparks, I revisited the tree, offering a prayer for Mark and the many who have contributed to the extensive legacy of Catholic Youth Ministry in the Premier See. My prayers were also for all of us as we continue to plant seeds and watch them grow.

World Youth Day

The celebration in Rio as well as around the world is but one year away. Here is a great video that captures the spirit of World Youth Day. Share it via facebook and other social media with your youth and young adults!

Pastor / PLD Letter

A month ago, we “snail mailed” a letter to our youth contacts promising a follow-up letter to be sent to pastors and pastoral life directors. That mailing is going out of our offices now and all three pieces can be found on-line as well for your review.

Young Church on the Move

St. Andrew by the Bay will be workcamping this week in Prince Frederick, MD. Many young people in the central Maryland area will be participating today and tomorrow in iServe, based out of St. John, Frederick. Thirty-one parishes and schools are sponsoring participants in this year’s High School Leadership Institute which concludes their week on Saturday. Our prayers go out to all of our young people who are workcamping and attending conferences.

Aurora

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver responded to the recent tragic movie theater shootings. "But in Aurora, which means ‘the dawn,’ the sun rose this morning. In a city whose name evokes the light, people of hope know that the darkness may be overcome.” A good reminder if your young people are still talking about this.

Web Links

> While there are many Maryland athletes in London for the Olympics starting tomorrow, were you aware that the youngest member of the US team is a swimmer and Maryland based Catholic who prays the “Hail Mary” before each race? Pass along this story.
> Jack Regan in England suggests Ten Modern Myths in Catholic Youth Ministry. Do you think any of them are true in the way we operate?
> Learn more about the charism of the Salesians in following the model of St. John Bosco as evangelizers, educators and communicators of the love of God.

Continue along the way –

D. Scott Miller